Author Topic: 240 volt  (Read 3591 times)

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Offline adamu8610

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240 volt
« on: July 11, 2015, 10:09:38 AM »
Hi guys, just wondering if anyone would no what it would cost to wire up a 240 volt power point to the camper trailer so it can be used in caravan parks and how it is actually done? Any tips or pics would be great as i know bugger all about power. Thanks in advance.  ;D

Offline Green rv

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Re: 240 volt
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2015, 10:40:50 AM »
you can plug 10amp plugs into a 15amp lead just not vise versa
so cheap way is just run a 15amp lead and a 4 plug power board for your needs

otherwise i would think you would need???
1x external 15amp power inlet $30-$50
1x external 10 amp power outlet $30-$50 (probably optional)
1 or more internal double pole outlet $30-$50
circuit breaker $90- $150
$100 in wire
and a sparky $$$ (will take a wild guess @ $300-$500)

im no electrician so i could be adding/ missing something here
but a rough idea on cost

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Adam
Hilux 2002 LN167 + Stockman POD
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Offline jw2170

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Re: 240 volt
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2015, 10:58:24 AM »
The  cheapest way I could see would be to purchase one of these (or similar 15A)

http://www.bunnings.com.au/hpm-15amp-electresafe-power-centre_p4420182

and a 15A extension cord.


Jim & Maree
Sydney NSW

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Offline dales133

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Re: 240 volt
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2015, 03:36:46 PM »
I've just done this but I went overboard on the inlet because I wanted a stainless one but I purchased double pole gear off ebay.
You'll be looking at about 17 bucks plus postage for double pole double outlets, about 25 for a breaker and enclosure, the inlet can be had for anything from 30 upwards.
I used the 2.5mm orange round cable and sleeved it with that corigated split tube stuff for extra protection.
I mounted everything and ran all the cables and I've saved a good couple of hours on what a electrician would take to do the same.
Basicly there's an hour tops work left
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Offline sparksy

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Re: 240 volt
« Reply #4 on: July 12, 2015, 12:17:16 PM »
I can understand wiring a camper for 12 volt but I have to agree with jw2170 on the use of a powerboard /15a lead.
 Not to mention DIY installations which are illegal ,but a camper is not like a caravan which is generally sealed and not exposed to water and mud and the vibration of a "lightweight" trailer on rough roads. Even with RCD protection if water gets into the inlet or wires rub through there is a good chance of livening up the frame and it only takes milliamps to kill.

Dales133 method of "wiring" using ebay components (which may not be SAA compliant) and using split conduit ( which definitly isnt compliant) is asking for trouble. Also doing it himself as i think he suggest he did is illegal and foolish.

I'm a electrician with 40 years experience and of the campers Ive built none have been hard wired for 240V.
As for caravan parks its a lot easier to just use a 15A lead and a rcd outlet. The simpler solution is often the best.
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Offline weeds

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Re: 240 volt
« Reply #5 on: July 12, 2015, 12:23:12 PM »
Extension lead and board
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Offline adamu8610

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Re: 240 volt
« Reply #6 on: July 12, 2015, 04:05:24 PM »
Thanks for your  comments  definitely  just gonna with a lead and board save me a few $$$ and seems like the way  to go with less hassle.  ;D

Offline D4D

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Re: 240 volt
« Reply #7 on: July 12, 2015, 04:10:26 PM »
Just to add to this, I also have a 240V tester that checks for earth and properly connected wiring, won't detect dodgy power though. Making sure you have an earth keeps you safe.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/Test-%26-Measurement/Electrical-Testers/Contact/Power-Point-and-Leakage-Tester/p/QP2000
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